Every April, more than 200,000 people visit the Coachella Valley for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The event transforms Greater Palm Springs into a busy destination for two consecutive weekends. Even those without festival wristbands can find plenty to do in the area.
One option is The Surf Club at Palm Springs Surf Club, which offers DJ sets, live performances, a wave pool, surfing sessions, water slides, and a lazy river. Guests can also enjoy cabanas, wellness areas, gourmet food, and poolside cocktails.
The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium provides visitors with a chance to explore over 3,000 species of cacti from around the world. The garden was established in the 1930s as a private family project and now features daily tours led by master gardeners.
For those interested in unique drinks, Bootlegger Tiki occupies the former site of Don the Beachcomber’s tiki bar. The venue serves cocktails with ingredients like passion fruit and lemongrass.
History enthusiasts can join guided tours with the Palm Springs Historical Society. These tours highlight homes once owned by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Leonardo DiCaprio and showcase Modernist architecture designed by figures like William Cody.
Desert X has become an annual tradition since its start in 2017. In 2025, installations included works by artists Sanford Biggers, Kimsooja, and Sarah Meyohas. Desert X 2026 will take place from March 4 through May 7; some pieces from previous years remain accessible online.
Festival-goers looking for attire may visit The Frippery vintage shop for colorful kaftans and accessories typical of Palm Springs style.
Joshua Tree National Park is located less than an hour from downtown Palm Springs. The park features desert landscapes where two deserts meet—Mojave and Colorado—and is known for its cactus gardens and Joshua trees.
Visitors planning their time in Palm Springs during festival season have many activities available beyond attending Coachella itself.
